Rodgers Creek Vineyard

Soil

Poor volcanic soils

Clones

Syrah 877, with 5% Viognier

Detail

This unique property is on the western, cooler side of Sonoma Mountain, which provides the savory character that to us defines Syrah. Our block was planted to our specifications in 2002 and is positioned 800 feet up the southwest face of Sonoma Mountain, in the "Petaluma Gap" which sweeps cool Pacific air past on its way to the Central Valley.
Poor volcanic soils and the cool weather limit yields to two tons per acre or less, and it is routinely the last or among the last of our sites to be harvested. This cool climate brings out the savory characteristics of the variety, as opposed to its jammy, fruity side. One finds here aromas and flavors of smoked meats, white pepper, green olive and grapefruit, with an almost Pinot-like texture and balance on the palate; in sharp and deliberate contrast to an overblown Shiraz style.